Australian Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd has backed down from plans for a referendum on same-sex marriage if he is returned to power – something that has been welcomed by campaigners for marriage equality in Australia. Rudd made the comments during an interview with radio Triple J’s Hack program last night, saying he would not use a referendum to ram the issue down people’s throats. Marriage equality advocates say there is now a consensus against a national poll among the major party leaders.

Marriage equality supporters had feared that a referendum would open the door for a hate-filled campaign against their cause.